A test screening for the upcoming “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1″ film was held today in Chicago. This editor was lucky enough to attend the screening, and got a full preview at the first installment of the final film. A full report on the screening is due shortly, but please enjoy this quick preview rundown for now.

A caution to readers: THIS POST– AND FOLLOWING POSTS– WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS.

If you are ready, please continue below for full details!

~~~~~~~~~~~

FINAL SPOILER WARNING!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here we go:

Director David Yates, and Producers David Heyman and David Barron were in attendance at the screening.

The current running time for this rough cut was about two and a half hours.

Some select graphics and CGI enhancements were not fully complete in this screening. Some moments were only rendering.

Green screens, cranes, and other movie props appeared in places.

The film contained a temporary soundtrack; the full soundtrack is still being composed and recorded.

A unique and innovative animation tells the story of the Deathly Hallows.

David Barron confirmed that the final split for the film will indeed be when Lord Voldemort takes the Elder Wand from Dumbledore’s grave.

The crew has not yet finalize their choice of composer for the second part of “Deathly Hallows.”

The Seven Potter sequence features Mr. Radcliffe changing, character by character, as the camera pans around the room. He is left in the original clothes of the character, and with their voice.

The film opens on the Minister of Magic speaking to the press, promising the wizarding public safety and protection of their liberties.

This leads into the Dursley’s leaving their home, and Harry being left in the empty Privet Drive house with Hedwig.

Hedwig does die, returning to the chase sequence to defend Harry from Voldemort.